Kabbalah On Green

Because of the well-known red string, worn on the left wrist to ward off negative entergy, the color red is often associated with Kabbalah. But green is also a powerful color in this ancient tradition. It represents the central column between right and left, positive and negative, giving and receiving. As such, green signifies the balance that is so important to the survival of the planet. Green is also the color of healing, both of the soul and of the Earth. Kabbalah teaches that eco-consciousness and higher consciousness are inextricably linked and that the forces of environmental destruction can only be overcome through personal transformation on a global scale. Kabbalah on Green gives new meaning to the popular catchphrase “think globally; act locally.” In its pages, readers learn that true environmental consciousness goes far beyond recycling and simple slogans.

How do we articulate a religious vision that embraces evolution and human authorship of Scripture? Drawing on the Jewish mystical traditions of Kabbalah and Hasidism, path-breaking Jewish scholar Arthur Green argues that a neomystical perspective can help us to reframe these realities, so they may yet be viewed as dwelling places of the sacred. In doing so, he rethinks such concepts as God, the origins and meaning of existence, human nature, and revelation to construct a new Judaism for the twenty-first century.

The wisdom of Kabbalah teaches us how to perceive and live in the reality that spreads before us. It is a systematic method that has evolved over thousands of years, nurtured by individuals whose task was to ensure that the true wisdom would be given to those ready to receive it. The Book of Zohar (The Book of Radiance) is an ageless source of wisdom and the basis for all Kabbalistic literature. Since its appearance nearly 2,000 years ago, it has been the primary, and often only, source used by Kabbalists. Written in a unique and metaphorical language. The Book of Zohar enriches our understanding of reality and expands our worldview. However, this text should not be read in an ordinary fashion. We should patiently and repeatedly read and think about each sentence as we try to penetrate the author's feelings. We should read it slowly and try to extract the nuances of the text. Although the text deals with one subject only-how to relate to the Creator-it approaches it from different angles. This allows each of us to find the particular phrase or word that will carry us into the depths of this profound and timeless wisdom.

The Zohar is the great medieval compendium of Jewish esoteric and mystical teaching, and the basis of the Kabbalistic faith. It is, however, a notoriously difficult text, full of hidden codes, concealed meanings, obscure symbols, and ecstatic expression. This illuminating study, based upon the last several decades of modern Zohar scholarship, unravels the historical and intellectual origins of this rich text, and provides an excellent introduction to its themes, complex symbolism, narrative structure, and language. A Guide to the Zohar is thus an invaluable companion to the Zohar itself, as well as a useful resource for scholars and students interested in mystical literature, particularly that of the West, from the middles ages to the present.

What can Kabbalah teach us about our lives today? What can it teach us about our future? According to the Jewish mystical tradition of Kabbalah, Ehyeh,or “I shall be,” is the deepest, most hidden name of God. Arthur Green, one of the most respected teachers of Jewish mysticism of his generation, uses this simple Hebrew word to unlock the spiritual meaning of Kabbalah for our lives. When Moses experienced his great moment of call at the Burning Bush, he asked God, “When people ask me, ‘What is His name?’ what should I say to them?” God answers with this mysterious phrase, “I shall be what I shall be,” and says to Moses, “Tell them that ‘I shall be’ sent you.” God’s puzzling answer makes the conversation sound like a koan-dialogue between a Zen master and disciple.... Like the koan, the text here is reaching to some place beyond words, seeking to create a breakthrough in our consciousness. What is it trying to tell us? —from the Introduction Blending Jewish theology and mysticism, Arthur Green invites us on a contemporary exploration of Kabbalah, showing how the ancient Jewish mystical tradition can be retooled to address the needs of our generation. Drawing on the Zohar and other kabbalistic texts, Green examines the fundamental ideas and spiritual teachings of Kabbalah, encouraging today’s modern seeker to stretch to new ways of thinking with both heart and mind, setting us on a rewarding path to the wisdom Kabbalah has to offer.

According to the Jewish myslical tradition of Kabbalah, Ehyeh, or "I shall be," is the deepest, most hidden name of God. Arthur Green, one of the most respected teachers of Jewish mysticism of his generation, uses this simple Hebrew word to unlock the spiritual meaning of Kabbalah for our lives. Blending Jewish theology and mysticism, Arthur Green invites readers on a contemporary exploration of Kabbalah, showing how the ancient Jewish mystical tradition can be retooled to address the needs of our generation. Drawing on the Zohar and other kabbalistic texts, Green examines the fundamental ideas and spiritual teachings of Kabbalah, encouraging today's modern seeker to stretch to new ways of thinking with both heart and mind, setting us on a rewarding path to the wisdom Kabbalah has to offer.

Ours is the first generation in modern times to understand the truly universal human condition and to seek to bring all peoples of the earth together in peace and harmony. We are the first generation to truly understand that we are faced with the challenge of either inhabiting our planet harmoniously or not inhabiting it at all. Filling our future is the fundamentalism that threatens to pit one religion against another. But, our different relationships and understandings of G-d should not be the reason for conflict but the source of goodwill in building our relationships with one another and our ability to understand others. The covenant with the Jewish people was not the first made between the Almighty and mankind. Before the revelation at Mt. Sinai, G-d commanded Adam and then made a covenant with Noah, giving them the guidelines for the universal religion of mankind. The most well-known part of this covenant is the seven universal commandments, or the Seven Noahide Laws. For this reason, Judaism and Jews do not proselytize, but rather seek to guide the nations of the world in developing their own relationship with the Almighty and implementing these potentially unifying laws of basic human nature. This book offers you a glimpse into the tremendous mystical power and meaning of G-d's covenant with humanity and the Seven Noahide Laws, as explained in Kabbalah. It focuses on their spiritual and inner dimensions and inspires a deeper look at our best hope for achieving world peace and a better future for all beings.

In this prizewinning new interpretation of Jewish mysticism, Moshe Idel emphasizes the need for a comparative and phenomenological approach to Kabbalah and its position in the history of religion. Idel provides fresh insights into the origins of Jewish mysticism, the relation between mystical and historical experience, and the impact of Jewish mysticism on western civilization. "Idel's book is studded with major insights, and innovative approaches to the entire history of Judaism, and mastery of it will be essential for all serious students of Jewish thought."--Arthur Green, New York Times Book Review "Moshe Idel's original, scholarly, and stimulating study of Kabbalah contains the promise of a masterwork."--Elie Wiesel "Moshe Idel's book can help the nonspecialized reader to reconsider the whole of Kabbalistic tradition in comparison with many aspects of contemporary thought."--Umberto Eco "There can be no dispute about the importance and originality of Idel's work. Offering a wealth of complementary insights to Gershom Scholem and his school, it will command a great deal of attention and serious discussion."--Alexander Altmann

Within the human system there are certain archetypes, centers, or vortexes of energy. As this energy or power exists at a different level than our conscious awareness it remains essentially dormant with most people, but when activated usually through meditation this force has a most profound influence upon our psychological, spiritual and physical nature. As this inner, subtle energy plays such a vital role in our overall being there is much to be gained from understanding this force, and how to benefit from its power. This information can be found in the ancient spiritual teachings of the Jewish Kabbala and the Hindu Kundalini Yoga, but the complexity of these teachings, particularly with Kabbala, makes it difficult to find useful answers as to how this inner power can be utilized. In The Green Serpent and the Tree, Dr. Judd cuts through the confusing terminology of these teachings and, in an easy-to-read style using practical examples and illustrations, logically explains:The inner nature of man and structure of the soul.How Kabbala and Kundalini Yoga can be reconciled, and how they augment each other.The difference between the symbols of The Tree of Life, and The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.Why the seven inner centers (Chakras) of Kundalini Yoga are the same as the ten centers (Sefirot) of Kabbala.The significance of the Green Serpent (Kundalini) and the functions of the various channels that connect the inner centers.The different centers, with a detailed description of their psychological and spiritual influence.Relationship of meditation with releasing the power from the inner centers.The practical value of meditation, its four stages, and the physical, psychological, psychic and spiritual effects.The risks involved in releasing these inner powers, and how to avoid them. The reason for the inter-relationship between Kabbala and Kundalini Yoga, and their original source. Although this book is written in an explanatory style which guides the layman through the intricacies of these two teachings as they relate to our inner powers, the material content contains much that will interest the more advanced student. Based upon thorough research, Dr. Judd outlines in logical steps why,The Tree symbol that is frequently referred to as the Tree of Life is misnamed.Any attempt to reconcile the Chakras with the Sefirot using the wrong Tree symbol will lead to inaccurate conclusions.The position of the Sefirot changes depending upon which Tree symbol is used. There are three central channels that connect the Chakras, rather than the one that is usually shown, and Kabbala supports this fact.This explains the different levels of power released from the same Chakra.Why some of the practices used to open the Chakras involve considerable risks Anyone who wishes to expand their knowledge of Kabbala, Kundalini Yoga, the inner nature and powers of man, meditation, and the safe way to travel on the journey within, will greatly benefit from the information in this book.

Kabbalah and Ecology is a groundbreaking book that resets the conversation about ecology and the Abrahamic traditions. David Mevorach Seidenberg challenges the anthropocentric reading of the Torah, showing that a radically different orientation to the more-than-human world of nature is not only possible, but that such an orientation also leads to a more accurate interpretation of scripture, rabbinic texts, Maimonides and Kabbalah. Deeply grounded in traditional texts and fluent with the physical sciences, this book proposes not only a new understanding of God's image but also a new direction for restoring religion to its senses and to a more alive relationship with the more-than-human, both with nature and with divinity.